Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman Bishop Philip Anyolo has once again called on Kenyans to be ready to receive the Holy Father as the Vicar of Christ.Bishop Anyolo, who is the Bishop of Homabay Diocese, said, “the Pontiff’s presence in Kenya will bring a lot of blessings, joy and harmony adding that the visit will also encourage the Church in Kenya to stand strong in preaching the good news”.
Here is the video link to his message to the country: https://youtu.be/AhGFwwWIqm0
Meanwhile in preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to Kenya, The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has released a prayer for the Apostolic Voyage to Kenya to be recited by all the Catholic faithful in the Country.
According to Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth, the Archdiocese of Kisumu is already praying for The Holy Father’s visit and looking forward for a prayer day to ensure that Pope Francis’ much anticipated visit is successful.
Archbishop Okoth says that Pope’s visit to Kenya is an occasion to promote the apostolate of the family and a blessing to the Country.
At the Kenya Catholic Secretariat, the staff members lead by KCCB General Secretary, Very Rev. Daniel Rono have started praying for the Holy Father’s visit during the weekly Holy Mass celebrated at Waumini House every Wednesday.
Below is the Prayer for The Pontiff.
Our Prayer
Almighty and ever living father,
You chose your servant Pope Francis
as the successor of Apostle Peter and Shepard of your flock.
Look favourably, we pray,
on his pastoral visit to our nation Kenya.
Inspire us to receive him well.
May your Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts
to be generous and receptive to
his message and encouragement.
Grant that he may be for us, your people,
a visible bond of unity which brings healing and reconciliation,
love and peace; So that in you, the Shepard of souls,
all may know the truth and attain eternal life.
Amen.
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB